A first gathering was prohibited last Sunday by the authorities for “security reasons.” However, the people of Nice are stubborn and did not want to give it up, announcing that, ban or not, they would have marched anyway.
Eventually, the Prefecture, faced with the possibility of a ban that would not be respected and the obligation to intervene (but how?), finally granted the authorization.
The Gandhi-like people of Nice will have their fifteen minutes of media attention, photos and selfies as souvenirs.
Instead of parading, wouldn’t it have been better for them to participate in the City’s collection to aid the victims?
The “White Gathering of August 7th” is described on Facebook in these terms:
“Following the Prefecture’s refusal to allow us to march on the Promenade des Anglais on July 31st, after the heinous attack of July 14th, many citizens were shocked and still wish to pay their respects.
We therefore invite all those who feel concerned to join us on Sunday, August 7th in Nice, at Jardin Albert 1st, all dressed in white.
We will hang 85 balloons in tribute to the victims (hoping this number won’t be exceeded…). We will sing together LA MARSEILLAISE and NISSA LA BELLA.
At precisely 12:00 PM, at the sound of the cannon fired from the castle hill, we will observe a true minute of silence.
All expressions of sympathy are welcome (flowers, notes, items, plush toys), we ask everyone not to bring balloons to release, for security (airport proximity) and ecological reasons.”
